Safety Resources: For Players

What are VRChat’s rules?

We have three places where we talk about our rules.

1. VRChat Terms of Service

   The VRChat Terms of Service are the legal rules that players must agree to follow by when logging into VRChat for the first time.

   All of our rules and guidelines are based on these Terms. They are written using legal words, which can be hard to read. To help you out, we have other places where we've written the rules in an easier way. 

   The Terms are similar to the ones games and services use.

2. Community Guidelines

   The VRChat Community Guidelines are an interpretation of the Terms of Service. They're written in a way that is easier to understand than the Terms of Service.

   The Guidelines start with a review of our core rules: no hate, no harm, and keep private things private. They also discuss some details like behavior expectations and player guidance.

   No matter what the Guidelines say, the Terms of Service are the “final word” regarding the rules on VRChat.

3. Creator Guidelines

   The VRChat Creator Guidelines provide additional rules for players who create content in VRChat (worlds, avatars) or use VRChat to create other content (like videos or streaming). 

   Like the Community Guidelines, the Creator Guidelines are written in natural language and interpret the Terms of Service. The Terms are the “final word” regarding the rules for content creation.

What should I look out for in VRChat?

While VRChat is a lot of fun, there are a few things you should be aware of to keep yourself safe:

• Inappropriate Content:
  Some people might share content or engage in behavior that isn't suitable for everyone. This could include rude language, offensive behavior, or other things that just make you feel uncomfortable. We have rules preventing this, like our Community Guidelines, but some people break the rules.
• Strangers:
  Just like in real life, not everyone online is who they say they are. Some people might try to trick you or make you feel uncomfortable. Unlike real life, though, you can click the Block button and that person will disappear!
• Personal Information:
  It’s really important to keep your personal information safe. This includes your real name, address, phone number, and anything else that could identify you in the real world. Never share personal information with anyone online, and do not put it into your user profile.
• Peer Pressure:
  Sometimes, people might try to pressure you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable. This could be anything from playing a game you don’t like to sharing personal information or pictures or joining someone in a private instance in which you’re not comfortable.

How Can I Stay Safe in VRChat?

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying VRChat:

Use a New Name

• Create a New Identity:
  A good rule online is to make up a new identity. Never use your real name. Choose a name that doesn’t give away any personal information. You get to make up a whole new name, so make sure it’s a good one! Avoid linking your other profiles unless you are sure that they don’t contain any new information about you.
• Don’t Share Personal Details:
  Never share your real name, address, phone number, school name, or any other personal details with people you meet online. Do not put it into your bio and don’t share it over other services (like Discord). 

Be Careful Who You Talk To

• Friends List:
  Only add people to your friends list if you know them in real life or have known them for a long time in VRChat and trust them. People on your friends list can find you more easily, so make sure the people you add are people with whom you’re comfortable.
• Block:
  Blocking is a superpower! If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, you can block them. This will prevent them from talking to you or seeing you in VRChat.

Know What to Do If You Feel Uncomfortable

• Leave the World:
  If you find yourself in a situation or world that makes you uncomfortable, leave right away. You can always go to another world or create a private instance where you feel safe. Click “Go Home” in your menu to quickly go to your Home world.
• Tell Someone You Trust:
  If something happens that makes you feel unsafe or worried, talk to someone you trust. If you are under the age of 18, talk to a parent or guardian. They can help you figure out what to do next.
• Report Bad Behavior:
  If someone is being mean, using bad language, or sharing inappropriate content, you can report them to VRChat. This helps keep VRChat a safe place for everyone. You can also ask your parent or guardian to help you send in a report.

Make Smart Choices

• Think Before You Act:
  Before you interact with a player in VRChat, ask yourself if the interaction is something you’d be comfortable doing in real life. If the answer is no, it’s probably not a good idea to do it in VRChat.
• Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure:
  Just because other people are doing something doesn’t mean you have to do it. If you’re uncomfortable with something, saying no is okay.

Use VRChat’s Safety Features

• Safety Systems:
  VRChat has tools to help keep you safe. These include settings that let you control who can interact with you, as well as options to mute or block people who are being rude or annoying.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Block:
  Blocking someone is powerful. If someone is being rude, annoying, or creepy, you can click the Block button, and they’ll disappear immediately. They won’t be able to see you or talk to you. You can easily unblock in the case of a mistake, too, so don’t be afraid to use Block!
• Personal Space:
  Use the Personal Space feature to keep people from getting too close to you in the virtual world.

Remember: It’s Okay to Ask for Help

If you’re ever unsure about something in VRChat or feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to a parent, guardian, or someone else you trust. They can help you make the right decisions and keep you safe.

VRChat is a place to have fun, be creative, and meet new friends. By following these tips, you can make sure your time in VRChat is safe and enjoyable!